Do you need a permit for a retaining wall in NC?

In North Carolina, the need for a permit for a retaining wall depends on the size of the wall. According to the NC Capital City of Raleigh, retaining wall systems less than four feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) typically do not require a building permit and inspection, unless such a wall supports a surcharge or impounding class I, II, or IIIA liquids. For retaining walls that are four feet or higher, a permit is usually required. For specific requirements and detailed information, you can refer to the regulations on the City of Raleigh's website .

What is a retaining wall?

A retaining wall is a structure designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion. It stabilizes sloped areas, creating level spaces that can be used for various purposes such as gardens, patios, or driveways. For a detailed explanation, visit our blog post on What is a Retaining Wall?

What are the 4 types of retaining walls?

The four main types of retaining walls are: Gravity Walls: These rely on their mass (stone, concrete, or other heavy material) to resist pressure from behind and are often wider at the base, tapering up to the top. Cantilever Walls: Designed as a cantilever structure, these walls use reinforced concrete or mortared masonry to hold back soil. Sheet Piling Walls: These are used in tight spaces with soft soil and are made from steel, vinyl, or wood planks driven into the ground. Anchored Walls: Anchored walls can be any of the above types with additional cables or other means of reinforcement driven into the rock or soil behind them.

What is the purpose of a crib retaining wall?

A crib retaining wall is used to retain a vertical or near-vertical position of soil. They are particularly useful for landscaping and creating usable garden spaces on slopes. They help to prevent soil erosion and can also be used to elevate certain plant beds or to create more aesthetically pleasing and structured garden areas.

Are retaining walls durable and long-lasting?

Yes, our retaining walls are built with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, ensuring durability and longevity.

How does a retaining wall help with soil erosion?

Retaining walls provide necessary support to prevent soil from sliding or eroding, especially in sloped areas. They act as a barrier, stabilizing the soil and preserving the landscape's integrity.

Retaining Wall Installations Charlotte, NC | Urban Landscape & Construction

Charlotte's Retaining Wall Contractors: Delivering durable and beautiful solutions.

At Urban Landscape & Construction, we specialize in creating custom retaining walls that not only prevent soil erosion but also transform your landscape into a visually appealing and functional space. Our services in Charlotte, NC, are tailored to meet the specific needs of your property, ensuring durability and style.

Why Retaining Walls in Charlotte NC?

Retaining walls are essential components of landscape architecture, especially in areas with uneven terrain. They provide critical support for soil, prevent erosion, and help manage water runoff. Beyond their functional benefits, retaining walls can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property by creating structured, visually appealing lawn spaces.

Key benefits of a Retaining wall:

Erosion Control: Safeguard your landscape against soil erosion.
Functional Space Creation: Turn sloped areas into valuable, usable land.
Aesthetic Enhancement: Improve your property’s curb appeal with beautifully designed walls.
Water Management: Efficiently manage water runoff and reduce flooding risks.

Our Retaining Wall Services in Charlotte NC

Consultation and Design

We begin every project with a free consultation to understand your vision and assess your landscape’s needs. Our design team works closely with you to develop retaining walls that are both functional and beautiful.

Materials and Types

We offer a diverse range of materials, including:

Poured Concrete: Known for its strength and versatility.
Natural Stone: Adds elegance and uniqueness to any landscape.
Modular Blocks: Ideal for customizable, scalable designs.

Explore our material options on our Hardscapes page.

Construction and Installation

Our installation process adheres to the highest standards of quality and safety ensuring you are 100% satisfied with the outcome. We ensure that every retaining wall is built to withstand local environmental conditions and last for many years to come.

Advanced Features and Customizations

Engineering and Safety

When a wall exceeds 4 feet in height, we hire a civil engineer for structural design, and a testing agency to ensure the wall is completed within the local building codes.

Specialty Walls
Our capabilities include constructing:

Submerged Walls: Ideal for waterfront properties, providing robust protection and aesthetic appeal.
Multi-Tiered Walls: Perfect for gardens with varied levels, enhancing the natural contours of your landscape.
Gravity Retaining Walls: These rely on their own weight to hold back earth, making them both economical and effective.
Anchored Retaining Wall: An excellent choice for creating additional support with minimal disruption, ideal for challenging terrains.
Challenging Conditions: We expertly navigate around large trees and close to building foundations without disturbing the existing landscape.

See some of our specialized projects in our Projects Gallery.

Why Choose us for Retaining wall project?

Decades of combined Experience: Our team brings top-notch expertise and craftsmanship to every project.
Fully Licensed and Insured: Ensuring peace of mind and reliability.
100% satisfaction Garnuiteed: if it’s not how you like it we will make it right

our clients’ satisfaction is our top priority. Here in Charlotte, NC, we have had the privilege of transforming numerous landscapes with our custom retaining walls, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Urban Landscape & Construction transformed our backyard with a beautiful retaining wall that not only holds back the hillside but also provides a stunning backdrop for our garden.”
– Mark M. – Charlotte NC
“The team’s attention to detail and their understanding of our vision resulted in a retaining wall that is both functional and a work of art.”
– Sarah K. – Charlotte NC

These stories and feedback underscore our reputation as a leading retaining wall contractor in Charlotte, NC, and motivate us to continue delivering exceptional results.

Bring Your Dream to Life with Custom Walls

Choosing Urban Landscape & Construction means selecting a partner who values quality, functionality, and design. With our expertise, your new retaining wall will not only support your landscape but also enhance its overall beauty and utility. Let us help you turn your vision into reality with a retaining wall designed just for you.

Retaining Walls Charlotte NC